One-off Mercedes-Benz B55 with a 383bhp 5.5-litre V8

The team of 12 Mercedes-Benz trainees from the Daimler facility in Rastatt, started with a B200 CDI, and fitted it with a 5.5-litre engine that produces 383bhp and 391 lb ft of torque. The new engine added 243bhp and 170 lb ft of torque to the compact MPV.

Trainees also converted the B-Class to rear-wheel drive, by fitting the G-Tronic’s drive shaft from an old E430. Power is sent to the rear wheels via 7-speed G-Tronic transmission.

0-62mph comes in just 5.2 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The B55 is outfitted with 18-inch AMG wheels and interior is upgraded with Alcantara and leather finish.

It took Mercedes trainees 8 months from an initial idea to this hot compact MPV. Not bad!